Iconic Art and Cinematic Flair A Cultural Big Short Break in Madrid

Across just three museums – the Prado, the Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza – Madrid boasts enough art and culture to captivate for a lifetime. And it doesn’t end there: the city also offers an architectural immersion into the Golden Age, from the Plaza Mayor and Lope de Vega Theatre to the Plaza Santa Ana and the Plaza de las Cortes. You can also peek into the artists of the future at independent galleries and head to the Malasana neighbourhood to relive ‘La Movida’, an 80s cultural movement which inspired (deep breath) cinema, music, photography, fashion, design, theatre, comics and more.

With so much to do and see and only four days at your disposal, there’s no time to waste. So, hit the cobbled streets running, with local guides and an attentive Concierge to steer you in the right – and most interesting – direction.

Fancy a brush with the city’s cinematic past? Check out the legacy of director Luis Bunuel at the Residencia de Estudiantes. Love all things literary? Visit the statue of poet and playwright Federico Garcia Lorca in the Plaza de Santa Ana. Craving glitz and glamour? Gawk at the royal family’s collection in the Galeria de las Colecciones Reales. And when stomachs start to rumble? Tuck into the classic canas-tapas combo at aperitivo time – perfect fuel for your Spanish sojourn.

Your Itinerary:

A quick flight to Madrid, an even faster transfer to your hotel, and you'll be prancing through the city’s streets in no time. Your home away from home for the next three nights is an elegant property located in the Barrio de las Letras, also known as the Literary Quarter. Coincidentally, it was on this very street that one of the most famous novels of all time was written: none other than Don Quixote, published in 1605.

Between your own visits to museums, galleries and designer boutiques (this is an unsung fashion capital, after all), we've set up two stellar excursions to ensure your arts fix is properly served.

The first follows in the footsteps of Pedro Almodovar, a renowned auteur director and a key figure in Spanish cinema who regularly chooses his beloved Madrid as the setting for his films. Accompanied by a clued-up local guide (or should we say cinephile?), set out on foot, wandering the streets, pinpointing filming locations and learning about the strong connection between the city and the silver screen.

The second highlight of your trip is a private cultural tour of Madrid. During the Golden Age, under the infamous Habsburgs, the city became the seat of the Spanish monarchy. This attracted artists and merchants from all around, sparking (among other things) a literary frenzy. Luckily for us, Madrid is still dotted with the marks left by these bygone creatives today. As you stroll along, uncover a series of storied sites while listening to tales of the capital’s rich history – with a chocolatey churro in hand for good measure, of course.

The rest of your time in Marid is blissfully relaxed, allowing you to soak up the city at your own pace. But, if you fancy a deeper immersion in the arts during your trip – or anything else, for that matter – just contact your trusty Concierge. They’ll be happy to book a music-themed tour, a renowned play or a table in a prominent restaurant (bring on the vino).